Carlen Costa: Understanding Sexual Abuse
Host Katie Mares welcomes Psychotherapist and Sexologist Carlen Costa to discuss tools for coping with abuse and shares her story of sexual abuse.
In this conversation, Katie Mares and Psychotherapist Carlen Costa discuss topics and tools related to sexual assault, domestic abuse, and the importance of self-care. They explore concepts such as manipulation, narcissism, and gaslighting, and how these behaviors can contribute to trauma bonds. The conversation explores the dynamics of abusive relationships and the reasons why victims may stay in them. It emphasizes that being in an abusive relationship is not a reflection of the victim's worth or choices, but rather the result of the abuser's intentions. Victim-blaming and self-gaslighting are common responses that hinder victims from recognizing the red flags and leaving the relationship. The conversation also delves into the concept of fear being disguised as love, where intense emotions and hyper-arousal can be mistaken for love and excitement. It highlights the importance of validating one's own experiences, seeking support from others, and creating a safety plan to break free from the cycle of abuse. In this part of the conversation, Carlen shares her personal experience of sexual assault and the impact it had on her. They discuss the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, the importance of checking in with oneself and seeking validation when boundaries are crossed.
Carlen Costa is a dynamic OCSWSSW psychotherapist, clinical sexologist, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist and cannabis educator based in London, Ontario, Canada. She engages you to learn how to love yourself and others better through her revolutionary love and mental wealth lifestyle brand that is committed to making a positive impact.
Her passion for empowering others extends to her role as the host of The Spicy Fat Podcast, where she delves into topics ranging from ADHD, weight loss, positive body image, mental health, love, relationships, to cannabis and psychedelics. This podcast, available on YouTube, reflects Carlen's mission to guide women entering their 40s in understanding their bodies, brains, and hearts while fostering radical self-love.
Find out more about Carlen Costa and her practice:
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
https://opdv.ny.gov/april-sexual-assault-awareness-month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness month; a month of solidarity dedicated to sexual assault victims. It’s meant to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault and violence while sharing information and resources to foster a great understanding of consent.
Some statistics from www.sexassault.ca:
1 in 4 women in North America will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
For every 100 incidents in Canada, only 6 are reported to police.
Over 80% of sex crime victims in Canada are women.
Fewer than half of sexual assault cases in adult criminal court result in a guilty verdict. (www.justice.gc.ca)
Resources in Canada for Family and Intimate Partner Violence
A note from the Women in Media Network: The WIMN is proud to support organizations that provide relief and guidance to women and girls who have been subjected to violence, trafficking, and/or homelessness. Proceeds from Women in Media Network launch merchandise will support the London Abused Women's Centre: https://www.womeninmedia.network/. Access the London Abused Women's Centre: https://www.lawc.on.ca/
The Assaulted Women’s Helpline is a free, anonymous telephone line for women in Ontario experiencing any form of abuse.
National Child Abuse Hotline: 24/7 at 1-800-422-4453
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 24/7 at 1-800-799−7233
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 24/7 at 1-800-656-4673
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: 24/7 at 1-800-622-4357
Crisis Text Line: 24/7 text DS to 741741
Find out more information about the Ladies Take Control Community: https://ladiestakecontrol.com/
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